Boise, Idaho, is not just a hub for meetings and conferences, but also a gateway to a variety of exciting day trips. If you’re visiting Boise for a meeting and want to extend your stay by arriving early or adding an extra day, you’re in for a treat. The region offers numerous nearby excursions that make the most of Boise’s amazing summer weather—characterized by warm, sunny days and low humidity—perfect for outdoor activities.
Boise is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoorsy vibe, offering abundant opportunities to explore scenic landscapes. From floating the Boise river to visiting Bruneau Dunes State Park or experiencing some of the best whitewater rafting, there’s no shortage of adventures to try. Here are some top summer excursions you can enjoy without straying too far from the city, ensuring you’re back in your hotel by the end of the day.
1. Float the Boise River
Distance from Boise Centre: 15 minutes
Enjoy a quintessential Boise summer experience without even leaving the city: floating down the Boise River. This six-mile float takes about 2-3 hours, making it a convenient day trip for meeting attendees. Starting at Barber Park and ending at Ann Morrison Park, it’s a great way to see the scenery and take in the summer sunshine. Rent tubes and rafts at Barber Park, and then easily return with the shuttle service back to your car. Afterwards, you can say you experienced the city like a true Idahoan!
2. Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area
Distance from Boise Centre: 40 minutes
Bogus Basin is an outdoorsy hotspot during the summer! Enjoy scenic chairlift rides with stunning mountain views or explore miles of hiking and biking trails. Don’t miss the excitement of Idaho’s only mountain coaster—a thrilling ride through the trees. For those wanting to take on team-building activities with colleagues, tackle the Mineshaft Challenge Course for high-altitude fun. With a rock climbing wall, summer tubing, and more, It’s a nearby destination to unwind from work amidst the natural beauty of the mountains.
3. Wine Tasting on the Sunnyslope Wine Trail
Distance from Boise Centre: 45 minutes
For meeting attendees looking to savor local flavors this summer, a day trip to the Sunnyslope Wine Trail is a must. This trail offers 17 wineries and vineyards featuring delicious local wines and stunning vineyard views, with more emerging. Many Sunnyslope wineries are family-owned and operated, adding a personal touch to your tasting experience.
Wine tours, such as Snake River Wine Tours, Sunshine Wine Tours, Idaho Winery Seekers, and Idaho Wine Tours, typically include visits to 3-4 wineries and provide a hassle-free experience. Alternatively, driving yourself offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace. This day trip provides a refreshing break from meetings, with scenic views almost as good as the wine!
4. Whitewater Rafting with Cascade Raft
Distance from Boise Centre: 50 mins
If you’re seeking an unforgettable summer thrill, whitewater rafting with Cascade Raft is just the thing! Gather your colleagues and head to Cascade Raft, just shy of an hour from Boise, for an outrageously fun experience. Since 1985, they’ve been offering whitewater rafting trips for all skill levels. Choose between fun and splashy rapids for beginners or thrilling class III-IV rapids for the more daring members of your group. Return to Boise with memorable stories and a newfound appreciation for Idaho’s natural beauty.
5. Bruneau Dunes State Park
Distance from Boise Centre: 1 hour 15 minutes
Featuring the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America, rising about 470 feet, Bruneau Dunes State Park is an exceptional day trip destination. Hiking the dunes is a rewarding experience with breathtaking views from the top. For a more adventurous twist, try sandboarding down the steep slopes. As the sun sets, the park transforms into a stargazer’s dream, particularly at the Bruneau Dunes Observatory, where you can peer into the night sky through powerful telescopes. This is one special day trip attendees will definitely want to share with friends back home!
6. Boise National Forest
Distance from Boise Centre: 1 hour 45 minutes
For meeting attendees with a passion for exploring local national forests, Boise National Forest promises to be among their favorite experiences yet! With over 2.5 million acres of diverse landscapes at your fingertips, you can truly choose your own adventure. Take advantage of over 1,300 miles of hiking trails or head to one of the 250 lakes for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even fishing. Many visitors also enjoy the scenic drives through the diverse ecosystem, where sightings of local wildlife such as mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, and abundant bird species are not uncommon. And for those seeking relaxation, don’t miss Kirkham Hot Springs —a popular stop on the banks of the river. Here, you’ll find hot spring waterfalls and rock-walled pools with sandy bottoms, where you can soak in the natural warmth.
7. Shoshone Falls
Distance from Boise Centre: 2 hours
Known as the “Niagara of the West,” Shoshone Falls is a must-see natural wonder. The 212-foot waterfall is higher than Niagara Falls and offers spectacular views. Take a scenic drive to Twin Falls, enjoy a picnic at the falls, and explore nearby hiking trails. Be sure to start early to make the most of your day before returning to Boise with envy-inducing pictures to share with your team!
Boise’s proximity to a variety of natural attractions makes it ideal for turning meetings into biz-cations. In the summer, when everything is blooming, there’s so much to explore with short, easy day trips. Beyond the knowledge gained in meetings, you’ll return home with beautiful images of Idaho’s scenery, exciting memories, and a refreshed spirit from the great outdoors.
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